Official opening marks new era for Woldgate School’s learning environment
Woldgate School in Pocklington, part of the Wonder Learning Partnership, has officially opened its new teaching block, marking a major milestone in the school’s redevelopment journey.
Guests at the opening event enjoyed a guided tour of the state-of-the-art, three-storey building, now home to 1,200 students who moved in several weeks ago.
Feedback from students has been overwhelmingly positive, with many praising the bright, modern spaces that have already enhanced their learning experience.
The new building replaces the original school buildings and provides a dynamic, inspirational environment designed to support academic excellence and wellbeing. It features spacious classrooms, cutting-edge science laboratories, a large assembly hall and a dining area with a fully equipped kitchen. Each space maximises natural light, with many rooms offering stunning views of the surrounding countryside, incorporating a biophilic approach.
In addition, the redevelopment includes a newly constructed multi-use games area and an upcoming sports hall, ensuring students have access to high-quality facilities for physical education and extracurricular activities.
Delivered through the Department for Education’s CF21-25 HVB Framework as part of the School Rebuilding Programme, the scheme demonstrates a commitment to sustainability and innovation. The project is designed to be net zero carbon in operation (NZCiO), incorporating low embodied carbon materials and extensive photovoltaic solar panels.
The local authority has also made a significant contribution to the project, funding furniture, equipment and facilities that will benefit both the children and wider community.
We are proud to have worked alongside the Wonder Learning Partnership to deliver a facility that has truly reimagined what a learning environment can be. This project reflects the commitment to our purpose – reimagining places for people to thrive – and we are confident it will inspire and support students for generations to come. My sincere thanks go to the site team for their exceptional work and to the school for their collaboration and support throughout the works.”
David Wingfield
Managing Director at Wates Construction East
We can already see the positive impact this new building and excellent facilities are having on both pupils and staff. It is wonderful for the local community that our school now has a building and facilities that reflect the high-quality education and care we provide our students, and I know they are thrilled to use these fantastic facilities. The collaboration with contractors has also provided invaluable learning opportunities for our children.”
Luke Sloman
Head Teacher at Woldgate School
The project also delivered significant social value, including more than 83 hours of curriculum support, employability workshops and work experience placements for students. Local unemployed people received 50 hours of career mentoring and CV guidance, resulting in 15 new jobs for residents.
This redevelopment represents a bold step forward for Woldgate School, creating a vibrant, sustainable and future-ready campus where students can thrive.
